How One Troop Encourages Good Turns
Scoutmaster M. L. Johnson of Winfield, Kansas, gives us these splendid suggestions.
Individual Good Turns:
 | Scoutmasters give informal talks on the Good Turn. |
| A special ceremonial question in our investiture ceremony for Tenderfoot Scouts impresses on their minds the "Good Turn." |
| Leaders sometimes comment on especially worth-while Good Turns, of course without revealing the names of the boys who did them. |
| We never refuse the offer of a service from Scouts. |
| The Council offers to old folks and shut-ins the service of Scouts to run errands, mow lawns, work in gardens, plant trees, bring books, escort them to church, etc., notifying them where they can get in touch with a Scoutmaster who will send the Scout to do the Good Turn. |
| On the bulletin board, the best individual Good Turn of the week is posted. (Anonymous.) |
| Discussions are held in Patrol Meetings as to the effectiveness of certain Good Turns. |
| We are careful not to let anyone take advantage of the Good Turn idea and impose on Scouts. We are then sure that when the task is finished the boy's heart says: "Gee, it's great to help someone like that, and not "Gee, I'm glad that's over, and I hope they make the other boys do theirs now before they call on me again." |
At the Heart Of the Good Turn is the Golden Rule.
It is almost impossible to give a definite program for stimulating individual Good Turns, as the chance to do one never comes twice in the same way, but most of the boys are doing good work. Many parents and friends tell me of the change and difference in boys after they join the Scouts, and we show them what fun it is to help the other fellow along.
